Dynamic shots are a powerful tool in animation, bringing energy, tension, and storytelling into every frame. However, mastering them requires not only creativity but also a deep understanding of animation principles. In our recent live feedback session, Edward Kurchevsky, an experienced 2D animator behind Primal, Scavengers Reign, and Tales of Alethrion, shared invaluable insights into the common mistakes animators make when creating dynamic shots — and how to avoid them
Primal
Why Dynamic Shots Matter in Animation
Dynamic shots break the routine of static scenes, adding rhythm and emotional impact to the story. Whether it’s an action sequence, a character’s sudden realization, or a dramatic reveal, these shots help guide the viewer’s eye and create immersive storytelling moments.
«Mastering Dynamic shots allow animators to think like directors — placing the camera, designing the choreography, and controlling the tension of the scene,» — Edward Kurchevsky.
Key Mistakes in Dynamic Shots
Ignoring Perspective
One of the most common mistakes is failing to maintain a consistent perspective. Characters often lose volume or feel disconnected from the background when perspective lines aren’t carefully considered.
Tip: Use perspective grids and rough volumes in the early stages to map out the environment and ensure characters interact naturally with the space.
Get better at perspective with the <<Mechanics of Motion in Traditional 2D Animation>> course!
Straight Ahead Animation Without Planning
Many beginners dive straight into animation without solid key poses or breakdowns. This leads to inconsistent proportions and stiff motion.
Primal
Tip: Start with rough blocking. Define key poses first, then refine the motion with breakdowns before adding details.
If you are struggling with blocking, key poses, and timing, take the <<Basics In Traditional 2D Animation>> course to strengthen your skills.
Symmetrical Poses
Symmetrical poses can make even dynamic shots feel static. It is recommended to always break symmetry unless it’s a deliberate design choice.
Scavengers Reign
Tip: Offset limbs, tilt the pelvis, or shift the weight distribution to create more natural and interesting silhouettes.
See “How to Make Animation Come Alive: The Secret of the Line of Action by Ksenia Inozemtseva” to get better at dynamic posing!
Poor Silhouette Readability
A dynamic pose needs to communicate action clearly. Tangents, overlapping limbs, or flat staging can ruin the shot’s clarity.
id.pinterest.com
Tip: Flip your canvas horizontally to spot weak silhouettes. Make sure each pose reads clearly, even in black and white.
Check out “How to Effectively Use References in 2D Animation” to help you create stronger silhouettes
Rushing Anticipation and Overshoots
A common mistake is skipping the anticipation phase or not giving enough frames for overshoots. This results in mechanical, weightless motion.
Naruto
Tip: Treat timing like music — balance slow anticipation with fast actions and controlled overshoots to create rhythm in motion.
Learn More About Timing in “Mastering Timing in Animation: How Time Charts Bring Characters to Life”
How to Improve Dynamic Shots
Edward shares his checklist and step-by-step method for creating dynamic shots — take notes and apply them in your work:
- Start with rough thumbnail sketches to explore composition and perspective.
- Animate blocking passes focusing on timing and spacing.
- Build clean keys with proper proportions and volumes.
- Flip between key poses to check consistency.
- Add breakdowns and in-betweens, constantly checking silhouettes.
- Refine overlap, follow-through, and secondary motion.
Learn from the Best
A stream recently took place, during which Edward provided personalized feedback on student submissions — explaining what worked well and where each shot could be improved. His detailed notes helped participants not only improve their current work but also gave them tools to apply to future projects. If you missed the session, you can still watch the full live feedback with Edward Kurchevsky here and see how professional critique can transform an animation.
Conclusion
Mastering dynamic shots takes time, patience, and attention to detail. By learning how to plan, execute, and refine your animations with these principles, you’ll be able to take your skills to the next level.
Not sure where to start? Try yourself in the Free Animation Club School Courses. It’s a great way to explore different animation directions and lay the foundation for your career in the industry.
Start your journey today!
